How to Choose a Lift Kit

Ordering a lift kit is one of the most defining moments of any build. The selection you make helps determine several qualities of your build, including your truck’s capabilities and even other accessory choices, such as wheel and tire sizing. Due to the importance placed on this modification, it’s crucial to choose the right kit for your application—whether you’re building a street queen, a weekend warrior, or a dedicated wheeler.

​While all lift kits affect ride height, they can vary significantly in terms of size, type, ride quality, off-road prowess, and price. Selecting a lift kit can be a complicated process—that’s where RealTruck comes in. As not only a lift kit retailer but also a manufacturer, we know a thing or two about high-quality suspension systems. In this feature, we’re covering how to choose a lift kit, taking into account factors like budget, use case, platform, and installation difficulty.

Just so we’re all clear, let’s complete a quick lift kit review to refresh our memories. Lift kits are modifications to a vehicle's suspension or body mounts that increase its ride height, providing clearance for oversized tires and greater articulation.

​Learn more about the differences between lift kit styles in our lift kit versus leveling kit gallery.

​Drivability is a main consideration when selecting a lift kit. This factor, defined as “The sum of a vehicle’s driving traits and mannerisms,” is crucial, especially on a multi-use vehicle. The goal here is to find the proper balance between on-road drivability and off-road capability.

​Suspension is only one leg of the performance triad—you must also address your vehicle’s tires and drivetrain. The key is to get these three vehicle “systems” working together to provide the best possible traction at all times. Hey—if it were cheap and easy, everyone would be doing it correctly.

So, what’s the big deal, anyway? All lift kits do the same general thing, right?

​While that’s true (to an extent), choosing the right lift kit is crucial to getting the most out of your vehicle—and wallet. For instance, there’s no point in purchasing an extreme, off-road capable suspension system if all you’re looking to add is ride height, and you wouldn’t want to slap a basic spacer lift on a truck you’re about to take to Rubicon.

​Choosing the right lift kit for your needs and budget ensures you have a vehicle that matches your driving style and competency level, at a price point that makes sense.

With so many styles, brands, and options on the market, choosing a lift kit can feel overwhelming. However, the process doesn’t have to be complicated—so long as you know what to look for. If you’re in the market for a new lift kit, consider the following factors to make the most informed decision.

Contrary to popular belief, you don’t need to break the bank to get a solid lift kit. There are quality suspension setups at almost every budget—from entry-level spacer lifts to rugged, off-road-oriented coilover systems. When selecting your ideal lift kit, start with a price range and shop around to find one within it. If the setup you want isn’t quite in your budget, it’s better to save until you can afford it than to compromise and buy twice. As the adage goes, “buy once, cry once.”

​Consult the table below for the average price range of each lift kit style:

How are you planning to use your truck? Use case is one of the biggest factors in selecting a lift kit. If heavy wheeling is on the agenda, pick a kit that’ll allow adequate tire clearance and articulation. However, if you’re only planning to drive on the street, you can settle for an entry-level spacer lift or leveling system.

​Consult the table below for a recommended lift style by use case:

What’s your platform? The type of truck you’re driving will influence the types of lift kits you can install. For instance, you can’t install a body lift on a unibody vehicle with a one-piece frame and body, like a Jeep XJ.

​For additional recommendations, consult the table below.

Net lift height varies slightly depending on which factory suspension package the vehicle is equipped with and its condition.

​Superlift’s stated lift height for a given lift kit applies to the front lift. Generally, front lift is more than rear lift in order to achieve a “level” stance front-to-rear.

​The presence of additional weight, such as a winch, heavy-duty bumpers, storage boxes, or extra fuel capacity, reduces the lift height.

​On vehicles equipped with IFS (Independent Front Suspension), the use of exceptionally wide tires and wheels exerts additional leverage on the vehicle’s springs. This leverage results in a slight loss of ride height. With torsion bar-equipped vehicles, the available torsion bar adjustment may not be sufficient to offset this leverage, and heavier-rated bars may now be required. For other suspension types (TTB, strut), Superlift offers products that will restore this lost height.

What’s your desired tire size? While the maximum tire size is heavily influenced by the application, lift height is even more important. Lift height varies greatly depending on the lift style. Consult the table below for an estimated height range for each lift type.

Of course, these ranges are only averages. Many taller suspension lifts are available, though they may not be legal for street use.

Ride quality is another factor determined by your suspension, as some aftermarket kits can improve comfort over stock, while others can worsen it in exchange for a higher ride height. As a rule of thumb:​

Coil spring lift systems generally maintain a factory-like ride quality.

• Lifted leaf spring-equipped vehicles generally ride factory-like or slightly firmer than stock. As the spring arch increases, so does firmness.

• On most IFS-equipped vehicles, ride quality does not noticeably change because the factory torsion bars, coils, or struts are not replaced.

• Properly valved shocks greatly impact ride quality. Shocks do not provide lift.

• Too high tire operating pressures can also negatively impact ride quality. For example, a full-size SUV requires more air pressure than a Jeep Wrangler, yet they are commonly equipped with the exact same aftermarket tire. Over-inflation degrades ride quality and induces uneven tire wear. Research what pressure is right for your vehicle’s weight via your tire dealer or the tire manufacturer’s website.

• Ride quality can be degraded by over-tightening certain suspension components or by tightening components out of sequence during installation. Superlift addresses this in our installation instructions.

Are you planning to install the lift yourself? If so, you’ll need to select a kit that falls within your level of mechanical ability. For instance, don’t buy a kit that requires welding and fabrication if you’ve never picked up a torch or a welder.​

Check out the table below for some recommendations based on skill level.

Leveling kits raise only the front of a vehicle to “level” the front suspension with the rear, allowing clearance for slightly oversized tires. Leveling kits typically max out at about three inches to avoid a reverse rake—where the front end sits higher than the rear.

Suspension lift kits uniformly raise the front and rear of a vehicle by modifying the suspension. Unlike leveling kits, lift kits typically exceed three inches, stretching upwards of 10 inches on some applications.​

Lift kits come in several sub-styles, including basic drop bracket-style lifts, adjustable systems, and coilover systems with performance-based, tunable dampers.

The latter lift type (body lifts) increases ride height at all four corners by installing spacers between the body mounts and the frame, effectively raising the body above the chassis. Body lifts are typically limited to three inches.

Rear lift is typically accomplished by one of three methods—rear lift blocks, add-a-leaf kits, and full replacement springs (leaf or coil).

​Rear lift blocks are generally the most popular rear lift method since they’re the most affordable and offer close-to-stock ride quality. However, spring/axle wrap can be an issue with some vehicles. For these vehicles, consider utilizing SuperLift add-a-leafs or replacement rear springs.

​Add-a-leafs can be used with or without lift blocks, and are recommended to strengthen weak factory springs, and/or when the vehicle is used for heavy hauling or towing. Top-mounted factory overload springs can be retained when using add-a-leafs.

​Superlift Superide replacement rear springs are the way to go if the factory springs are overly fatigued or damaged. Attaining lift with new springs rather than blocks reduces spring/axle wrap-up. Generally, our replacement rear springs' ride quality and spring rate are comparable to a factory heavy-duty spring. Top-mounted factory overloads are not compatible with rear lift springs.

Another consideration is whether or not the lift kit you’re interested in is legal in your region. Maximum height varies by state, with some jurisdictions limiting it to just two inches. For more information, including state-by-state specifics, check out our Lift Kit Laws by State feature.

While choosing a lift kit can feel daunting, breaking the decision down into key factors—such as budget, use case, platform, and installation difficulty—makes the process straightforward. Whether you opt for a simple leveling kit for stance, a body lift for moderate height, or a full suspension system for extreme off-road articulation, RealTruck carries the lift kit for your build.​

By weighing your needs against the various styles and available products, you can select a suspension setup that perfectly matches your vehicle, driving goals, and budget. Still having trouble deciding which lift style is best for your application? Put simply:​

• A Body Lift is ideal for those looking for a uniform ride height boost without breaking the bank or altering drivability, since the suspension components remain the same. The only change is the increased spacing between the frame and the body.

• A Leveling Kit is ideal for those looking to level out their vehicle’s stance, eliminate the factory rake, and fit slightly larger tires.

• A Basic Suspension Lift is a solid option for those looking to improve their vehicle’s stance without plans to go off-road.

• A Coilover Suspension Lift is ideal for those looking to gain ride height, improve ride quality, and boost off-road performance.​

Ready to find the perfect lift kit to transform your truck or SUV? Explore RealTruck's massive selection of leveling kits, suspension lifts, and body lifts from the industry's top brands—including Rugged Ridge and SuperLift—to take the first step to lifting your rig.​

For top-recommended lift kit ideas, check out our Top Five Lift and Leveling Kits feature.

Q: Who Makes the Best Lift Kits?

A: There are several reputable lift kit manufacturers available on RealTruck, including brands like SuperLift, Fabtech, BDS, and Eibach.

Q: How Much Are Lift Kits for Trucks?

A: Lift kits vary significantly in price, from entry-level $70 leveling systems to high-end $5,000 coilover lift kits. On average, expect to spend $500–$1,200 on a conventional lift kit.

Q: Are Lift Kits Bad for Trucks?

A: Lift kits aren’t inherently “bad” for trucks, though they can increase stress on particular components, like steering linkage, bearings, and ball joints.

Q: Does a Lift Kit Affect Ride Quality?

A: Some lift kit styles do, while others don’t. Less invasive systems, like body lifts and leveling kits, typically retain your vehicle’s stock ride quality. Alternatively, tall suspension lifts can drastically alter ride quality, increasing stiffness over bumps and altering handling characteristics from the increased center of gravity.

Q: Do I Need an Alignment After Installing a Lift Kit?

A: Yes. Installing a lift kit typically alters suspension geometry, requiring an alignment to return the suspension to factory specs. Without proper alignment, you may experience rapid tire wear and unpredictable handling.

Q: Does a Lift Kit Void Warranty?

A: While a lift kit doesn’t inherently void a warranty, a manufacturer may decline related warranty claims if they determine the lift kit to be the source of the failure.